Principal Trading Standards Officer

North Somerset Council; United States; Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

North Somerset Council is seeking a dedicated Principal Trading Standards Officer to join our Trading Standards Service in Weston-super-Mare.

The role involves investigation of criminal offences, inspection of business premises, provision of business advice and enforcement of food standards, with an intelligence-led approach and active partnership working.

Hybrid working is available (3 days remote). A valid driving licence and own transport are essential.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a team and under deadlines.
• Experience in trading standards or related enforcement is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Investigation of criminal offences in trading standards.
• Inspection of a wide range of business premises.
• Provision of business advice to local traders.
• Food standards enforcement and compliance work.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Team player

Job description

Principal Trading Standards Officer

Company: North Somerset Council

Salary: £44,253 to £49,817 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UJ

Working pattern: Hybrid - 3 days remote

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 25 Sept 2026

Closing date: 8 Oct 2026

Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Principal Trading Standards Officer to join our Trading Standards Service.

Alongside the Council's highly motivated team of officers, you will undertake a wide range of trading standards functions including:

• investigation of criminal offences,
• inspection of a wide range of business premises,
• provision of business advice,
• food standards enforcement.

You will be familiar with the intelligence-led ethos of a modern trading standards service, able to confidently initiate and deliver effective partnership working and familiar with the wide range of challenges which the Team is tasked with addressing, such as organised crime, illicit tobacco and rogue trading.

You must be a good team player, boasting excellent interpersonal and communication skills, yet equally able to meet challenging deadlines under your own initiative. The duties of the post require a commitment to undertake continuing professional development and working flexibly as and when circumstances demand.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Gareth Mellors, Trading Standards Manager, at [e-mail]